The old man strolled lazily through the market square of Kolma.
Morning had already given way to the busier hours of the day, and the town square buzzed with life. Merchants called out their wares, carts rattled across the cobblestone streets, and the scent of freshly cooked food drifted through the chilly winter air.
It was a lively scene.
And the old man walked through it like he had all the time in the world.
He had one hand tucked behind his back and the other idly rubbing his chin as he wandered between stalls.
"Hmm…"
He paused in front of a fruit stand first.
Dried apples, yellow pears, dried berries bundled in small cloth sacks. The vendor had even polished some of the apples so they shone invitingly in the pale winter sunlight.
He leaned slightly closer.
"Fruit… in winter?" he muttered to himself.
He picked up an apple, turning it around thoughtfully before placing it back down.
"It's a bit shriveled up… not quite to my liking."
He moved on.
